DC Ward 8 Special Election Voters Guide July 2025 by The Washington Informer

VOTERS GUIDE

ELECTION DAY

TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025

THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

SHEILA BUNN

TRAYON WHITE SR

SALIM ADOFO

MIKE AUSTIN

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After not having a formal D.C. Council member since early February, Ward 8 voters are encouraged to exercise their civic duty by voting for their next representative on the District’s legislative body from now until July 15.

Candidates include: Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn and Trayon White, the former Ward 8 council member, who was expelled on Feb. 4.

Democrats Mary Roach and Oliver Roy and Republican Delonte Ford Singh are also running as write-in candidates, according to Ballotpedia.

Although Ward 8 voters are the ones being asked to decide on their next council member, the Ward 8 Special Election is critical to all Washingtonians for many reasons.

”We need to make sure that we make wise decisions because our council members make many decisions that affect our lives. And we need to make sure we pick the people who best represent our interests,” Kathryn Collison Ray, past president and Vote411 coordinator for League of Women Voters DC, told The Washington Informer.

With more than 73,000 residents, according to DC Health Matters, Ward 8 is a burgeoning hub for businesses, sports, arts, housing and health care, featuring CareFirst Arena, The Retail Village at Sycamore & Oak and the opening of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, among other features and attractions.

While the next council member will be particularly important to voice and advocate for the needs of Ward 8 residents, this person will also be critical to larger council meetings, discussions and votes that can affect all District residents.

Moreover, in a community that is more than 87% Black, with many residents facing challenges such as housing, personal finances, health care, education and food disparities, working with his or her colleagues to uplift constituents for the betterment of the ward and District overall.

This person will be tasked with fighting to strengthen the ward through legislative efforts, community engagement and working toward equity.

Further, the Ward 8 Special Election is also important to The Washington Informer.

In elections across the D.C. area, nation and world, The Informer works to emphasize the power of the vote.

From countless brave activists fighting for voting rights, to those working against voter suppression or mobilizing people to the polls to this day, and sharing input from residents, The Informer has always highlighted the organizations and individuals empowering voters.

In addition, The Washington Informer regularly covers the council, from meetings, announcements, legislation and community work, with the Collins Council Report— written by award-winning writer Sam P.K. Collins— celebrated as a leader in local reporting on D.C.’s legislative body.

Still, the Ward 8 Special Election holds particular priority for The Informer, historically and today.

The late Councilmember Wilhelmina Rolark, who represented Ward 8 for four terms from 1977-1993, was also the wife of Washington Informer founder Dr. Calvin Rolark and served as the publication’s president.

In addition The Washington Informer, located at 3117 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, has been headquartered in Ward 8 since 1980. While The Washington Informer covers happenings across the DMV, nation and world, Ward 8 is our home. For 45 years, the Ward 8 business owners, students, teachers and residents have been our supporters and neighbors.

As we cover news throughout the Washington metropolitan area, we get a close-up at what is happening in Ward 8 and are personally affected by the work and decisions of the next council member.

Through partnerships with organizations such as the District of Columbia Board of Elections, AARP, and League of Women Voters DC, The Washington Informer is proud to present this Ward 8 Special Election guide, featuring candidate surveys, articles, and information and resources.

We encourage Washingtonians to learn about the voting process and candidates through diving into this supplement, sharing this guide with others— particularly Ward 8 voters— and keeping it as a resource for the polls beyond this special election.

As the District and nation navigate political and social shifts and tension, remember the power is at the polls. Voting is a way for people’s voices, needs and hopes for the future to be heard and considered.

In 1965, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasized the power of voting and his words ring true 60 years later: “Voting is the foundation stone of political action.”

5 WI Managing Editor Micha Green. (Courtesy Photo)

WARD 8 SPECIAL ELECTION

ELECTION DAY VOTE CENTERS

Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Voters may cast their ballots AT ANY VOTE CENTER regardless of their residential address

Early Vote Centers open from Friday, July 11 through Monday, July 14, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

THEARC

1901Mississippi Avenue, SE Auditorium

HENDLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

425 Chesapeake Street, SE Auditorium

ALLEN A.M.E. CHURCH

2498 Alabama Avenue, SE

Multi-Purpose Room

COVENANT BAPTIST CHURCH

3845 South Capitol St., SW Church Hall

UNION TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH

1225 W Street, SE Church Hall

ANACOSTIA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

1601 16th Street, SE Gymnasium

SIMON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

401 Mississippi Avenue, SE

Multi-Purpose Room

TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3264 Stanton Road, SE Gymnasium

ANACOSTIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

1800 Marion Barry, Avenue, SE

Multi-Purpose Room

Early Voting Location

VAN NESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1150 5th Street, SE

Multi-Purpose Room

Early Voting Location

FEREBEE-HOPE RECREATION CENTER

700 Yuma Street, SE Gymnasium

Early Voting Location

PATTERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

4399 South Capitol Terrace, SW

Multi-Purpose Room

Early Voting Location

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SALIM ADOFO

Email: info@salimadofo.com

Party Affiliation: Democratic Age: 47

Profession: Consultant Campaign Website: www.salimforward8.com

Ward/Neighborhood of Residence: Ward 8/ Congress Heights

MIKE AUSTIN

Email: info.MikeAustin8@gmail.com

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 37

Profession: Lawyer

Campaign Website: www.MikeAustin8.com

Ward/Neighborhood of Residence:

Ward 8, Congress Heights

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER ASKS THE CANDIDATES THE QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT WARD 8 ON THE DC CITY COUNCIL?

“I’ve lived the challenges that Ward 8 residents face and have worked directly in the community to address them. As an ANC Commissioner and longtime organizer, I’ve responded to violence, supported youth, and helped bring resources into neighborhoods that need them most. I have experience building coalitions and delivering results for families. What qualifies me is not just what I’ve done, but how I’ve done it — consistently, with care, and with a deep belief in putting people first.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING WARD 8 AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS IT?

“The biggest challenge is public safety. Families deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their blocks, and at their schools. I will focus on ending gun violence by investing in prevention programs, expanding youth opportunity, and improving mental health services. I will also push for better coordination across city agencies so our neighborhoods are not ignored. True safety comes from stability, and I will work to bring that stability through jobs, education, and housing.”

WARD 8 IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “GREAT WARD 8.” WHAT TO YOU BELIEVE MAKES WARD 8 GREAT AND WHY?

“Ward 8 is great because of its people. This community is full of strength, pride, and perseverance. We have teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, faith leaders, youth organizers, and elders who pour into this community every day. Ward 8 is home to people who care deeply and never stop pushing forward. That spirit is what makes it great.”

WHAT IS ONE MORE THING WARD 8 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT GIVES THEM A REASON TO VOTE FOR YOU ON JULY 15, 2025.

“I’m not in this for a title. I’m in this to serve. I’ve been showing up, knocking doors, and listening because I believe leadership starts with presence. I’m running to bring real solutions to the issues we face — from gun violence to school funding to job creation. Ward 8 needs opportunity, not opportunists, and I’m ready to lead with integrity and action.”

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT WARD 8 ON THE DC CITY COUNCIL?

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING WARD 8 AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS IT?

WARD 8 IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “GREAT WARD 8.” WHAT TO YOU BELIEVE MAKES WARD 8 GREAT AND WHY?

WHAT IS ONE MORE THING WARD 8 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT GIVES THEM A REASON TO VOTE FOR YOU ON JULY 15, 2025.

QUESTIONS Page VG-5

SHEILA BUNN

Email: info@bunnforward8.com

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 53

Profession: I most recently served as Chief of Staff to Ward 7 CM Vincent C. Gray

Campaign Website: www.bunnforward8.com

Ward/Neighborhood of Residence: Ward 8

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT WARD 8 ON THE DC CITY COUNCIL?

“With deep community roots, robust government experience, and strong relationships across D.C. leadership, I am uniquely qualified to represent Ward 8 on the DC Council. A lifelong resident of Ward 8, I grew up in Congress Heights and currently live in Bellevue. Raised by community activist parents and now a single mother raising my daughter in the same community, I intimately understand our residents’ lived experiences.

My public service spans over 30 years on Capitol Hill, in DC government, and at the DC Council. As Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, I managed district operations, championed DC Statehood, and worked on significant policy and legislation like the expansion of DC’s Home Rule and the creation of the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG). As Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Chief of Staff to Councilmember Gray, I shaped policies impacting Ward 8, such as the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment. My efforts helped to bring housing, jobs, retail, the CareFirst Arena, and Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center to our community. At the Office of the People’s Counsel, I ensured fair and affordable utility services for residents. I serve on the boards of Martha’s Table and the Far SE Family Strengthening Collaborative and cochair the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation Events Committee, raising substantial funds for families and youth in Ward 8.

My extensive governance experience means I can hit the ground running, as I understand how the Mayor’s Office, Congress, and the Council operate—and already have strong relationships with Council members. If elected, I would bring no learning curve, deep local insight, and the ability to leverage citywide networks—ensuring Ward 8 gets both resources and representation from day one.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING WARD 8 AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS IT?

“I believe the biggest challenge facing Ward 8 is intergenerational poverty, which fuels disparities in education, employment, health, housing, and public safety. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Economic Empowerment - Prioritizing residents for jobs created by developments in our ward; providing capital, grants, tax relief and technical support to entrepreneurs in our community; and, expanding direct cash assistance programs proven to stabilize families.

• Education Equity - Improving our school facilities; strengthening quality early education; providing safe, enriching activities for our young people after school and during the summer; and, funding school-based clinicians and trauma-informed learning environments. Housing - Creating more affordable, workforce and market-rate housing; expanding programs that help long-time renters buy homes and build equity; and, protecting tenants and long-time residents from displacement.

• Public Safety - Improving our violence interruptor programs; investing in mentorship and restorative justice programs for our youth; and, making mental health and substance abuse services care more accessible and culturally responsive.

• Access to Health Care - Increasing access to stable, affordable and healthy food options in Ward 8 by investing in smaller footprint grocery stores, grocery coops, farmers markets and community gardens to combat food apartheid; and, opening the medical office building at our new hospital so that doctors and specialists can provide quality primary care right here in Ward 8.”

WARD 8 IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “GREAT WARD 8.” WHAT TO YOU BELIEVE MAKES WARD 8 GREAT AND WHY?

“Ward 8 is often called the “Great Ward 8” because of its deep cultural roots, rich history, strong sense of community, and the resilience and pride of its residents. Despite facing systemic challenges such as underinvestment and socioeconomic disparities, our community has long demonstrated unity, activism, and determination to create change from within. Ward 8 has very strong grassroots organizations, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood leaders that uplift the community through mentorship, advocacy, health services, and youth engagement. These groups form a strong civic backbone. Compared to other parts of DC, Ward 8 has untapped economic potential. New businesses, improved transit access, and smart, equitable development that centers long-term residents offer opportunities to help our neighborhoods thrive. Ward 8 is “great” not in spite of its challenges, but because of the strength, soul, and solidarity of the people who call it home.”

WHAT IS ONE MORE THING WARD 8 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT GIVES THEM A REASON TO VOTE FOR YOU ON JULY 15, 2025.

“Ward 8 is my home, my community, and my purpose. I’m running for DC Council because our families deserve real investment, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and true economic opportunity. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s my commitment to fight for the resources and respect our community deserves. I’m fighting for our youth, our families, our seniors, and those who feel like they don’t have a seat at the table. I want to help foster positive and effective local governance and bring together neighborhoods, businesses and government to improve lives and build economic wealth for our Ward 8 families and businesses. Together, we can build a stronger Ward 8. Vote Sheila Bunn, #3 on your ballot!”

3 WAYS TO VOTE

(1) Vote at home

Review your candidate choices at vote41

Fill out your ballot and sign the envelope Submit it in a secure drop box, a US mail center (by 8pm on Election Day - July 15

(2) Vote EARLY (7/11 - 7/14)

Review your candidate choices at vote4 Where? When? Vote411 has all the infor

(3) Vote in-person on Election Da

Review your candidate choices at vote4 Where? When? Vote411 has all the infor

All 18+ year old D.C. citizens and noncitizens who liv vote in this local election. D.C. residents who are returned are allowed and encouraged to re

Ward 8 Council Member

Special Election: July 15, 2025

Your vote DOES matter

This is your chance to impact your community on issues like public safety, health care, housing, and education.

Ready to make a difference? Scan the QR code to become a member of LWVDC.

Your vote matters. It can make a difference in the fight for things you care about. Like getting support for District caregivers or expanding transportation options for seniors.

In the upcoming Ward 8 Special Election on July 15th, voters 50 and over can put these issues front and center. We’re the largest—and most influential— voting bloc in the District. We have the power to make candidates focus on what is important to us and on the challenges we are facing.

AARP DC is standing with you by providing the reliable election information you need to make your voice heard in the Ward 8 Special Election. Make sure you know where to vote in person, what the dates are for mail-in, or early voting, and all the key deadlines. Get the latest voting information for the Ward 8 Special Election at aarp.org/Ward8Votes or scan the QR code.

KEY DATES

June

DC Board of Elections begins mailing ballots to registered voters in Ward 8

June 24

Registration deadline. https://dcboe.org/voters/register-to-vote/register-update-voter-registration

QUESTION 1- TRANSPORTATION:

July 11-July 14

AARP DC wants to ensure all Ward 8 residents have the resources needed to vote in the July 15th special election. Below you will find information on when, where and how to cast your ballot. You can also read where the candidates for Ward 8 Councilmember stand on issues important to older District residents.

Early Vote Centers open daily 8:30am-7:00pm

July 15

Special Election Day Vote Centers open 7:00am–8:00pm

Transportation safety for people of all ages, particularly older adults, is an increasing concern in the District. According to AARP Research, 88% of District residents 45-plus said that “getting to the places you need to go independently” is important to them. The District saw 52 traffic fatalities in both 2023 and 2024, extending a 17-year record high. What are your plans to make the District a more livable community for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, alike?

MIKE AUSTIN:

Safer Crosswalks & Signalization. Increase the number of high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and signals with longer crossing times. For older adults & individuals with disabilities, it’s vital that they have enough time to cross streets safely. Mobility Assistance: Expand programs that assist older adults in getting around, whether that’s through community shuttles, subsidized ride services, or partnerships with senior living communities to offer dedicated transportation options.

TRAYON WHITE SR:

Candidate did not respond

Safe, reliable transportation is a basic right. With 88% of residents 45+ saying mobility matters, we must act. Fifty-two traffic deaths in 2023 and 2024 is unacceptable. As Ward 8’s next councilmember, I’ll fight for Vision Zero investments, better lighting, safer crosswalks, slower speed zones near seniors, and more reliable bus service. Everyone deserves to move safely, whether walking, driving, or riding. Safety should meet you at your front door.

SHEILA BUNN:

The District must balance transit, walking, and cycling while accommodating motorists. This involves optimizing low-traffic streets for bikes, installing protected bike lanes where appropriate, implementing traffic calming in school zones and high-incident areas, upgrading crosswalks with enhancements like flashing beacons and raised crosswalks, improving sidewalks for seniors’ safety, and promoting development around Metro stations with mixed-use zoning to create walkable neighborhoods.

QUESTION 2- HOUSING:

In 2022, 85% of District residents 45-plus said that “staying in your own home as you get older” was of importance to them. What policies do you support to protect older District residents and their ability to safely age in a place of their choosing?

CANDIDATE

SALIM ADOFO:

Provide grants or tax credits to homeowners to help cover the costs of making their homes more accessible. This could include things like installing ramps, widening doorways, adding grab bars, or installing stairlifts. Incentivize the development of housing options for older adults, especially those with disabilities, to ensure that they have a range of living arrangements that meet their needs. Implement property tax reductions or deferrals for older residents who are living on fixed incomes.

TRAYON WHITE SR: CANDIDATE

Candidate did not respond

MIKE AUSTIN: CANDIDATE

Aging should come with dignity not displacement. I’ll expand home repair programs, strengthen property tax relief, and improve access to in-home care and transit. I’ll champion affordable, multigenerational housing and implement the Displacement Prevention Act I helped develop while at the Council. In Ward 8 and across D.C., residents deserve to grow older in the homes and communities they built.

CANDIDATE

SHEILA BUNN:

I endorse the District’s Age Friendly DC Plan and funding DACL’s Safe at Home Program. Senior village housing and property tax relief for those aged 65-75 promote aging in place. Rent control laws can protect renters’ rights and limit rent hikes. Expanding Transport DC and Seabury ConnectorCard will improve access to healthcare, groceries, and community events.

QUESTION 3- ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOODS:

What is your plan to increase access to stable, affordable, healthy food options, especially in “food deserts” located in Ward 8?

Provide targeted tax incentives or subsidies for grocery stores and healthy food retailers to open in food desert areas. These incentives could include property tax breaks, sales tax exemptions, or grants to offset startup costs. Encourage partnerships between the city and private companies to develop grocery stores or farmers’ markets in underserved neighborhoods. These partnerships could leverage public land, private investment, or nonprofit expertise to provide healthy food access.

TRAYON WHITE SR: CANDIDATE Candidate did not respond

In Ward 8, no one should have to travel miles just to buy fresh food. I’ll push for another full-service grocery store, support local urban farms, and invest in mobile markets and SNAP incentives, and smaller grocery options. We must treat food access as a public health issue because it is. As councilmember, I’ll work to make healthy, affordable food available on every block, not just in some neighborhoods.

QUESTION 4- ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES:

I will invest in small footprint grocery stores, coops, farmers markets, and community gardens, supporting expansion with tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans. Increase funding for food pharmacys and mobile food markets like the Arcadia Mobile Market and the Capital Area Food Bank’s Senior Brown Bag program. Partner with nonprofits for home delivery to seniors and those with limited mobility. Expand Instacart’s Good Food at Home program to 1,000 participants in Wards 7 and 8.

According to AARP research and survey data, there is a 15-year gap in life expectancy between those living in Ward 3 (86 years old) and Ward 8 (71 years old), and residents 40-plus living east of the river are about four times as likely to face barriers to accessing health care services in their community. What policies would you put forth to reduce disparities among racial and ethnic groups in accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare?

SALIM ADOFO: CANDIDATE

Expand access to mental health and addiction treatment programs, particularly in communities where residents face chronic stress, trauma, and substance abuse challenges. Provide a mix of in-person and virtual services, focusing on integrated care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.

TRAYON WHITE SR: CANDIDATE

Candidate did not respond

CANDIDATE

MIKE AUSTIN:

A 15-year life expectancy gap between Ward 3 and Ward 8 is a crisis. Health care should meet people where they are. I’ll expand neighborhood-based clinics, make it easier for doctors to open up practices, invest in community health workers, and push for mobile and telehealth services. I’ll also fight for full Medicaid expansion and better funding for behavioral health.

Increase support for Federally Qualified Health Centers east of the river & push for mobile health units to serve our neighborhoods. Train Ward 8 residents as CHWs for outreach, appointment scheduling, and health education. Implement subsidies or sliding scale fees for affordable care for those slightly above the Medicaid limit. Partner with ride-share companies for accessible transportation to healthcare. Fund community & school-based mental health services and ensure public insurance coverage.

MIKE AUSTIN:

SHEILA BUNN:

CANDIDATE

SHEILA BUNN: CANDIDATE

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE WARD 8 D.C. COUNCIL SPECIAL ELECTION

BY SAM P.K. COLLINS WI STAFF WRITER

In the aftermath of Trayon White’s expulsion from the D.C. Council in early February, Ward 8 voters must— once again— exercise their civic duty by voting for their next representative. From now until July 15, they can cast their vote for one of four candidates, including White.

The former council member, who first entered office in 2017, didn’t return The Informer’s request for an interview.

Other candidates in this special election are Advisory Neighborhood Commission Chair Salim Adofo (8C), Mike Austin, and Sheila Bunn, each of whom boast a variety of qualifications they deem suitable for a seat on the dais.

ADOFO: AN ANC COMMISSIONER HOPING TO ADDRESS INTRA-COMMUNITY VIOLENCE

Last summer, Adofo came second to White in the 2024 D.C. Democratic

primary. If elected to serve out the rest of the former council member’s term, Adofo said he has his heart set on directly and immediately addressing the issue of intra-community violence in its many facets, including but not limited to: domestic violence, elder abuse, and fraud.

He also expressed a desire to tackle some of the environmental issues— such as the quality of air, soil, and water— that set the stage for violent crime unlike what’s seen in other parts of the District.

“All of these different things have been neglected for years in our community, and so now it’s just boiling over,” Adofo, a Congress Heights resident, told The Informer. “Gun violence, whether it’s one person or whether it’s 100 people that died, it’s always bad and will always rise to the top over a lot of those issues, but a lot of those issues lead to the gun violence because if you’re not of sound mind and body

5 Trayon White, the former Ward 8 D.C. Council member, is seeking another chance at the council seat he once held after being expelled in early February amid a federal bribery charge. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

and spirit, it becomes harder for you to resolve conflict without going to the extreme.”

BUNN: AFTER LONG CAREER IN THE WILSON BUILDING, WORKING TOWARD A COUNCIL SEAT

If Bunn wins the special election, she’ll be making her way back to the John A. Wilson Building, where she most recently served as former Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray’s chief of staff. Before that, Bunn served as then Mayor Gray’s deputy chief of staff. In those roles, she immersed herself in the District budget, early childhood education, and health equity.

While she touts her involvement in the universal pre-kindergarten legislation that Gray championed, Bunn identified the St. Elizabeths East redevelopment— one of Gray’s other longtime projects— as a landmark of note.

“From that work, we now have Care First Arena. We have Sycamore and Oak incubating 10 Black businesses. We have housing. We also now have the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center,” said Bunn, a Bellevue resident and former senior staff member in D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s (D) office. “That was a project very near and dear to my heart that I was able to work on in the mayor’s office. For the first time in eight years, women on the east side of the city can deliver their babies right here in Ward 8 and not travel across town for gynecological services.”

AUSTIN: ATTORNEY HAS PLANS TO PRESSURE COUNCIL COLLEAGUES TO INVEST IN WARD 8

Austin, an attorney and fourth-generation Washingtonian, has experience as legislative director in former Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember LaRuby May’s office.

Since running against White in the 2020 D.C. Democratic Primary, he became a father and continued serving his executive role at United Medical Center. While preparing the medical facility for closure, he served on the boards of: Community College Preparatory Academy Public Charter School; Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative; and

United Planning Organization.

If elected, Austin plans to apply pressure on his council colleagues to support legislation and investments of benefit of Ward 8 residents.

“In the first year, I’m full of confidence that we can work with the other council members to put forward policies that we introduced, and then just to work with the committee chairman early on, and to host hearings on these issues,” said Austin, a Bellevue resident.

“I also want to make sure we’re hosting hearings in Ward 8, not just certain bills, but all of the committee members. I want you all to come on this side of the river and spend more time on this side advocating. You’re sitting at the R.I.S.E. [Demonstration] Center, you’re sitting in a church, you’re sitting wherever we are locally.”

WHITE: TOUTING PAST ACHIEVEMENTS IN ATTEMPTED RETURN TO COUNCIL

Since White’s expulsion, Ward 8 has been without ward-level council representation. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal funds capital improvement projects for Ward 8 public schools, but several Ward 8 voters have expressed concern about other issues— including proposed Medicaid cuts, the RENTAL Act, and elimination of the community school model.

Since announcing his candidacy, White has only attended two forums, the most recent of which the Ward 8 Democrats hosted. The former council member didn’t speak much about the circumstances of his expulsion, as he faces a federal bribery charge. He did, however, attempt to make the case for his return to the Wilson Building.

“I was the first council member to put over $600,000 into the Douglas Community Land Trust to ensure home ownership in our community right here in the great Ward 8,” White said on the afternoon of June 21 at Bundy’s Secret Garden behind the Go-Go Museum & Cafe. “We talked about access to quality housing. I made sure we had at least over 400 brand new …affordable housing [units] right here in the great Ward 8. And so I’m the council member that’s been on the front line advocating and fighting for equity and inclusion, not just in the budget, but in real life solutions.”

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo speaks at a Ward 8 Council candidates forum at Sycamore & Oak in Southeast in May 2025. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Sheila Bunn speaks at a Ward 8 Council candidates forum in May at Sycamore & Oak, a place she helped redevelop while working for former Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Mike Austin, an attorney and Ward 8 Council candidate speaks at a special election forum held at Sycamore & Oak in May. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Vote July 15, 2025 Ward 8 Special Election

Early Voting: July 11 to July 14, 2025

Early Voting Vote Centers Open: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm

Election Day Vote Centers Open: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Mail Ballot Drop Boxes Open: June 13 to July 15, 2025 until 8:00 pm

Find Ward 8 Vote Centers or Mail Ballot Drop Boxes here:

How to Cast Your Ballot for the July 15, 2025 Ward 8 Special Election:

Vote In Person:

• Find Ward 8 Vote Centers at www.dcboe.org.

• You can vote at any Ward 8 Vote Center during Early Voting or on Election Day.

• If you are in line by 8:00 pm, you can vote.

Vote by Mail-in Ballot:

• All registered Ward 8 voters will be mailed a ballot. Voted ballots can be returned via the US Postal Service, at any Vote Center, or to a Mail Ballot Drop Box.

• Mail Ballot Drop Boxes close at 8:00 pm on Election Day, July 15, 2025

• Ballots must be postmarked by July 15, 2025 and received at DCBOE by July 25, 2025. QUESTIONS? Visit www.dcboe.org or call (202) 727-2525.